If your preschool has a school song, teach the song to your preschoolers and have the whole classroom perform the song to celebrate the end of the year. If you do not have a school song, write one with the help of your preschoolers. Incorporate the school motto, mascot and colors into a simple rhyme, and discuss the lyrics with your students. Then, set the rhyme to a basic rhythm and beat. This can be one written by you, or a famous tune such as a lullaby. Finally, teach the song to the entire class and sing it as a choir.
As an alternative to school songs, sing seasonal songs to celebrate the end of the school year in relation to the season. For example, if the school year is over in December, sing Christmas and other holiday songs. Many preschoolers have already been exposed to famous seasonal songs due to their media prevalence. This gives students a chance to learn and perform these songs, which will increase the musical appreciation. Additionally, many seasonal songs are available in sing-along form, making it easy to incorporate them into preschool activities.
One way preschoolers learn to appreciate and understand music is through movement and dancing. Improvised dancing allows students to interact with the rhythm and beat of the music through free interpretation. For an end-of-the-year activity, organize a choreographed dance with your preschoolers. Allow each student to incorporate his own interpretative dance into the performance, but also encourage them to dance consistently relative to the music being played. This will begin to develop their understanding of musical structure as well as memorization techniques.
While most preschoolers lack the musical advancement to play complex instruments, basic instruments such as rhythm sticks, bells and rattles allow them to perform basic rhythms in conjunction with the music. To celebrate the end of the year, incorporate all of the instruments students have used throughout the music program. Organize students into a mock orchestra and have each student play his favorite instrument alongside songs used in the classroom. Play along with your preschoolers by acting as the conductor to help everyone get into the spirit of the music.